Holloway, who replaced Dougie Freedman in early November, has lost only two of his 13 games in charge and the Eagles are just two points off the second automatic promotion spot, but the 49-year-old revealed he has held talks with chairman Steve Parish over plans to strengthen the squad.

"We've already spoken," Holloway said after the 3-1 home win over Wolves on New Year's Day. "We're trying to help the squad, we're trying to build it to give us a good chance to have a second half of the season that will keep everybody singing.

"If people come in, we know where we are. I've made a few phone calls, I think we need to strengthen one or two areas.

"I've had a look at the Academy set-up and there are some really good young players. Are they ready to help this lot yet? Probably not, give them a year, who knows?

"We're working on some targets, so hopefully I'll bring some good ones in to help this group. It's not about how much you spend, it's about what sort of player you get."

till I suppose it still gives him at least another year in the job. By the time it comes around , he can always make up another excuse. First it was 3 months , then a year .....Next year ? Whats his excuse with Van Persie ?